The Kano State Police Command has arraigned 333 suspected thugs arrested during the just-concluded re-run election for Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency and the by-election for Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency, held on Saturday.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, made the disclosure while giving an update on the aftermath of the by-election on Monday.

According to the CP, all the arrested suspects have been charged to Magistrate Courts 20, 27, 44 at Nomansland Kano and Magistrate Courts 8 and 53, Gyadi-Gyadi Kano, on Monday.

“All the arrested suspects have been charged to Magistrate Courts No. 20, 27 and 44 at No-man’s-land Kano 18th and Magistrate Courts No. 8 and 53, Gyadi-Gyadi Kano on Monday, for prosecution under various electoral offences,” the CP said.

He disclosed that the suspects are being charged for criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct, possession of offensive weapons, intimidation, loitering without lawful excuse after voting or being refused to vote, snatching or destruction of election materials, improper use of vehicles, solicitation for votes of another voter on election day, etc.

He said, “The elections, which were conducted under challenging circumstances, witnessed attempts by unscrupulous individuals to disrupt the process through the massive importation of thugs from within and outside the state.

“During the election process in Ghari, Bagwai and Shanono LGAs, a total of 333 suspects were apprehended.

“These suspects were arrested for disrupting the electoral process, and the exhibits recovered from them included one Pump Action Rifle, five Locally Made Guns 94 Long Sticks (Gora), 16 Swords, 18 Cutlasses and 32 locally made ‘Barandami’ Weapons.

”Others were 28 Knives, one Bow, 23 Arrows, seven Catapults, 45 Stones, 14 Motor Vehicles, two Ballot Boxes, 163 Thumb-printed Ballot Papers and four million and forty-eight thousand naira (N4,048,000.00) cash.”

He said Command is committed to ensuring that justice is served and that those who seek to undermine our democratic process are held accountable.

The commissioner commended the combined security agencies for their dedication, commitment, and selfless service during the challenging electoral period, noting that their professionalism and coordinated efforts were instrumental in containing the violence from spreading further and helped to safeguard the voters, election officials, and the general public. (The PUNCH)